Hidden Gems In Ukraine

I’ve always thought Ukraine is one of the most overlooked countries in Europe. The majority of people don’t really know what to expect from it but in reality, this is a true gem! From incredible cities with golden domes or magnificent Central European architecture and charm to sandy beaches of the Black Sea or lush hills of Carpathian mountains – Ukraine has it all. And now is the best time to go.

Are you still thinking whether you should visit Ukraine? If you do, we’re here to give you a hand. We’ve come up with a list of amazing sites you should certainly see in Ukraine to help you choose it as a destination for your next trip!

Kiev – the incredible capital

Kiev is a perfect getaway to grand Eastern Europe that we always picture, with golden domes and mighty Soviet architecture.

Monasteries – St.Sophia and Pecherska Lavra – are listed on UNESCO World Heritage List and they surely deserve this title as they are stunning and look like from a fairy tale, especially in the sunny day when the sun shines in the rich ornaments.

Khreschatyk street and Maidan Nezalezhnosti might feel overwhelming with their powerful architecture but these are still nothing in comparison with Mother Motherland statue with its total high of 102 meters!

Once you’re tired of sightseeing (and you need at least 3 solid days to get to know the city) there are numerous parks, bars, and cafes where you can relax!

Odessa - pearl of the Black Sea

The third largest city in Ukraine, Odessa is a seaport that rest of the shores of the mythical Black Sea. Now an important trade city, visitors gravitate to Odessa for the sandy beaches, clement weather, and sparkling waters, particularly Lanzheron Beach, a perfect place for sun worshippers.

Odessa, also referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Black Sea’, may be a large city but its construction gives it an intimate feel, with labyrinthine lanes to navigate as well as nooks and crannies to explore, ending in secluded squares and delightful houses painted in mellow pastel shades.

The city’s big claim to fame is the mighty stairway that leads from the centre of town to the beach front, and there are also leafy parks like the City Gardens to enjoy, as well as a bit of culture in the form of the Odessa Opera House and the numerous theatres in the city.

Synevyr Lake - picturesque spot in Carpathinas Mountains

The Synevyr Lake is one of the numerous picturesque spots in the Carpathian mountains in Western Ukraine. It’s the largest lake in the Ukrainian Carpathians and it offers stunning views at any time of the year. In spring it features the blooming trees, in summer its green vegetation provides some nice shadow, in fall this area’s bursting with the shades of red, orange, and yellow, and in winter it’s all covered with snow and gets a dazzling white color. A heartbreaking legend about unhappy lovers is associated with the lake and their figures are carved in wood and placed on one of the lake’s shores. It’s believed that since they’re now together, they grant eternal love to everyone, who comes to the lake.

Chernivtsi - the real-life Hogwarts

Harry Potter fans, behold! If you come to Ukraine, you can visit a castle that looks exactly like Hogwarts and, in fact, you can even study in this castle, if you want to. The magnificent castle you see in the photo above is the former Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans and now it’s the main campus of the University of Chernivtsi, the leading university in Ukraine. When you take a walk along the territory, you can enter one of the buildings and see how the castle looks on the inside and imagine how it feels to study inside the UNESCO World Heritage Object. The university building, could easily play in one of the Harry Potter movies. Behind the castle complex, you can also find a large park, where you’ll enjoy having a walk or sitting on a bench and listening to the birds.

Lviv – one of the most beautiful cities in Europe

Lviv is one of the most beautiful cities in Ukraine. Its historical center is one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country and if you look at it even in the photos, you’ll realize why. Magnificent cathedrals, fascinating museums, narrow cobblestone streets, as well as a number of cozy restaurants and small shops, where you can buy nice souvenirs for your family and friends… It all creates a special charming atmosphere in Lviv and makes any visitor fall in love with this city and its lovely residents right away. So whether you like historical sites and long walks, or delicious food and friendly people, you’ll certainly enjoy visiting Lviv!

Bugski Guard National Park

The Bugski Guard National Park is another nature reserve that offers its visitors to enjoy the picturesque views. Located in Southern Ukraine, Bugski Guard was created in 2009 to preserve the historic and cultural landmarks, as well as the unique nature of this region. It quickly gained the status of one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine and became a popular destination for international and local tourists. A number of rare species of plants and animals live on the territory of Bugski Guard. If you come there, you can find amazingly beautiful landscapes featuring river banks and canyons and do rafting or rock climbing. Be sure to see the Aktovsky canyon – the main attraction of the park.

Pripyat - Chernobyl exclusion zone

f you’re looking for a more extreme experience, be sure to come to Pripyat, a ghost town located in northern Ukraine. It became abandoned after the deadly accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986 and now it’s part of the Chernobyl exclusion zone. People come there to explore the creepy deserted parks and buildings that still have the signs that about 50,000 people used to live there only a bit more than 30 years ago. But be sure to keep your visit to Pripyat short, because the radiation levels there are still present. For the same reason, it’s allowed to visit the town only as part of an organized group.